Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income of Orion Engineered Carbons S.A. (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)	$ (17,780)	$ 24,748	$ 253	$ 43,702
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	631	(4,844)	(23,440)	(3,381)
Unrealized net gains/(losses) on hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation	(31)	0	5	0
Unrealized net losses on cash flow hedges	(1,609)	(4,375)	(2,265)	(6,600)
Gains/(losses) on defined benefit plans	1,595	(36)	3,442	17
Other comprehensive income (loss)	585	(9,255)	(22,259)	(9,964)
Comprehensive income/(loss)	$ (17,195)	$ 15,493	$ (22,006)	$ 33,738